Saji-Ya: A Premier Sushi and Japanese Restaurant in St. Paul, MN

Saji-Ya Introduce

An Introduction to Saji-Ya

Located on the bustling and scenic Grand Avenue in St. Paul, Minnesota, Saji-Ya stands out as a premier destination for Japanese cuisine. This restaurant offers a sophisticated yet casual dining experience that has earned it a reputation as a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Saji-Ya has successfully created a space that is both trendy and cozy, making it suitable for a wide range of occasions, from a romantic dinner to a casual lunch with friends. With a menu that is both extensive and meticulously crafted, Saji-Ya provides an authentic taste of Japan right in the heart of the Twin Cities.

What truly sets Saji-Ya apart is its commitment to providing an outstanding overall experience. The food, particularly the sushi, is consistently praised for its quality and flavor. Patrons rave about the maki rolls, the exceptional tempura udon, and other unique dishes like the gyudon topped with smoked BBQ ribeye. Beyond the kitchen, the staff is noted for being incredibly friendly, attentive, and welcoming, making every customer feel like a VIP. The atmosphere is a blend of upscale and comfortable, with a great bar area and a cozy feel that invites guests to linger and enjoy their time. Saji-Ya’s dedication to both the quality of its food and the warmth of its service ensures that every visit is a memorable one.

Location and Accessibility

Saji-Ya is perfectly situated at 697 Grand Ave, St Paul, MN 55105, USA. This prime location on Grand Avenue places it in one of St. Paul’s most vibrant and popular neighborhoods, surrounded by unique shops and other dining spots. Its easy-to-find location makes it a convenient option for anyone in the St. Paul area and beyond.

The restaurant is committed to making its space accessible to all patrons. It offers a wheelchair accessible entrance, a wheelchair accessible parking lot, a wheelchair accessible restroom, and wheelchair accessible seating. This ensures that everyone can enjoy a comfortable dining experience. For parking, guests can utilize both free street parking and a paid parking lot nearby, providing flexible options. Additionally, Saji-Ya is a welcoming spot for those with pets, as it allows dogs outside in its outdoor seating area, which is a great feature for warmer days.

Services Offered

Saji-Ya provides a variety of services to accommodate the diverse needs of its customers.

Dine-in: The restaurant offers a beautiful indoor dining area with seating at tables or at the counter, providing a great view of the skilled chefs at work.
Outdoor Seating: On warmer days, the outdoor patio is a wonderful option for enjoying a meal in a relaxing setting. It's a perfect spot to people-watch on Grand Avenue.
Takeout: For those who prefer to enjoy Saji-Ya’s delicious food at home, the restaurant offers a convenient takeout service.
Delivery: Saji-Ya also provides a delivery service, allowing you to enjoy their high-quality Japanese cuisine from the comfort of your own home or office.
Catering: The restaurant offers catering services, making it an excellent choice for special events, parties, and corporate functions.
Reservations: Saji-Ya accepts reservations, and it is highly recommended to make one, especially for dinner, to ensure you secure a table.

Features and Highlights

Saji-Ya is well-regarded for several key features that set it apart from other Japanese restaurants in the area.

Exceptional Bar Program: Saji-Ya stands out for its great cocktail list, great tea selection, and great wine list, as well as offering a full bar with beer, happy hour drinks, and hard liquor. This makes it a destination not just for food but for a complete beverage experience.
High-Quality Cuisine: The food is consistently praised as outstanding, with a wide range of offerings from classic starters like Gyoza and Chicken Wings to unique entrees and sushi. The chefs, like Tou and Mark, are noted for their skill and friendly demeanor.
Unique Atmosphere: The ambiance is a perfect blend of casual, cozy, romantic, and trendy. The bar area is a cool spot to hang out, and the overall feel is upscale yet approachable. It's a great place for a special occasion or a relaxing night out.
Welcoming to All: Saji-Ya is a particularly inclusive establishment, noted for being LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space. It also welcomes families, groups, and tourists, creating a diverse and comfortable crowd.
Fast and Friendly Service: The service is consistently described as being 10/10, with staff members like Ellie being praised for their attentiveness and kindness. The fast service is a great bonus.
Diverse Menu: The menu offers a wide variety of dishes, including healthy, small plate, and vegetarian options. From a simple miso soup to a complex Chirashi Sushi, there's a dish for every taste.

Contact Information

To plan your visit, make a reservation, or inquire about catering, you can contact Saji-Ya using the following information:

Address: 697 Grand Ave, St Paul, MN 55105, USA
Phone Number: (651) 292-0444

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Saji-Ya is a decision to prioritize an exceptional and well-rounded dining experience. While the food is undoubtedly a major draw, with its fresh ingredients and standout dishes like the maki sushi and tempura udon, it's the combination of everything that makes it truly special. The fantastic service is a key component; the staff's warmth and professionalism make every guest feel valued, turning a simple meal into a memorable event. The chefs themselves are engaging and friendly, adding a personal touch that is often missing from other restaurants.

Furthermore, Saji-Ya’s atmosphere is a perfect balance of various elements. It manages to feel both casual and romantic, trendy and cozy, making it adaptable for any occasion. The bar offers a wide selection of beverages, which, combined with the happy hour food specials, makes it a great spot for a relaxed evening. Its commitment to being an inclusive and welcoming space for all, including families and the LGBTQ+ community, reflects a modern and open-minded approach to hospitality. In a city with many dining options, Saji-Ya stands out by providing not just great food but a complete experience that leaves a lasting positive impression. For a taste of delicious Japanese cuisine in a friendly, comfortable, and upscale setting, Saji-Ya is the clear choice in the Minnesota region.

Saji-Ya Food & drink

Starters
Yaki Niku $22.00
Thinly sliced choice rib eye steak in garlic soy house-made marinade; grilled and sautéed.
Ginger Wings $13.00
Six wings served with ginger sauce.
Sesame/Garlic Wings $13.00
Six wings served with yakiniku sauce.
Hot & Spicy Wings $13.00
Six wings served with spicy sauce.
Chicken Katsu $12.00
Crispy panko-breaded chicken breast served with bulldog sauce.
Gyoza (Ghee- O-Zuh) $8.00
Six pan-fried pork dumplings served with a savory and spicy dipping sauce.
Pork Belly $8.00
Skewer of savory pork belly with a sweet sesame sauce.
Yakitori $10.00
Skewers of grilled chicken in a sesame garlic marinade

Starters
Hamachi Kama $22.00
Char grilled yellowtail cheek garnished with daikon radish.
Shrimp Tempura $21.00
Lightly battered shrimp (3) and vegetables with tempura sauce.
Salmon Steak $14.00
Grilled salmon fillet served with ponzu sauce.
Takoyaki $8.00
Four savory deep-fried octopus dumplings topped with bulldog sauce, bonito flakes, green onion. Served with a side of Japanese pickles.

Shareable appetizers
Agedashi Tofu $8.00
Deep-fried tofu in tempura sauce, with ground daikon radish, ginger, and scallions.
Vegetable Tempura $11.00
Lightly battered vegetables served with tempura sauce.
Japanese Pickles $8.00
Combination of pickled Japanese vegetables.
Ginger Broccoli $8.00
Steamed broccoli with ginger sauce.
Potato Croquettes $8.00
Panko-crusted potato and vegetable cakes with bulldog sauce.
Chile Edamame $9.00
Steamed soybeans with a spicy chili sauce.
Edamame $8.00
Steamed soybeans, lightly salted.
Shishito Peppers $9.00
Lightly battered tempura fried peppers, dudted with seaweed, served with teriyaki sauce

Soups & Salads
Miso Soup $4.00
Egg Drop Soup $4.00
Saji-Ya House Salad $6.00
Steamed Rice $4.00
Seaweed Salad $6.00

From the Sushi Bar
Tuna Tataki $22.00
Lightly seared tuna in a bright citrusy soy sauce with green onion, garlic, grated ginger* Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Hamachi Crudo $22.00
Torch seared togarashi-seasoned hamachi lion, served on a bed of cucumber matchsticks in a citrusy ponzu and and leek oil. Garnished with a blend of chopped garlic, cilantro, serrano, green onion
Poke Bowl $21.00
Cubes of ahi tuna with onion and tri-color seaweed seasoned with soy and sesame oil* Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.

Nabemono Donburi
Sukiyaki $28.00
Vegetables, Maloney noodles, tofu, enoki mushroom, and sliced rib eye steak in a sweet, savory broth. Served with steamed rice.
Chicken Teriyaki Donburi $24.00
Tender grilled chicken , sweet peppers, carrots, onions, sauteed in a house made teriyaki sauce. Served over rice with white sesame and green onion
Tempura Udon $21.00
Udon noodles served in dashi broth, with shrimp (2) and vegetable tempura on the side.
Yakiniku Donburi $28.00
Thinly sliced rib eye steak sautéed in a garlic-soy house-made marinade, served over rice.
Yaki Udon $24.00
Japanese udon noodles, grilled ribeye steak caramelized onion, roasted bell pepper, carrot sauteed in ginger teriyaki. Garnished with white sesame and green onion

Shokado Bento
Yakiniku Bento $36.00
Thinly sliced rib eye steak in garlic soy sauce house-made marinade.
Shrimp Tempura Bento $29.00
Tempura-battered shrimp (3 pieces) and kakiage.
Vegetable Tempura Bento $23.00
A variety of tempura-battered vegetables.
Salmon Steak Bento $26.00
Grilled salmon steak with ponzu sauce.
Chicken Katsu Bento $24.00
Crispy panko-breaded chicken breast served with Bulldog sauce or teriyaki sauce.
Chicken Teriyaki Bento $24.00
served with egg drop soup, rice, ginger broccoli and chefs appetizer

Sushi Dinners
Chirashi Sushi $47.00
A beautiful and imaginative array of the day’s freshest cuts served on a bed of sushi rice* Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Sashimi Combo $48.00
Chef’s choice of four types of sashimi.* Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Sushi 7 Combo $46.00
Chef’s choice of 7 pieces of nigiri and your choice of maki sushi: kappa-maki or tekka roll * Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.

Nigiri and Sashimi
Albacore (White Tuna) $9.00
Ama-Ebi (Raw Shrimp) $13.00
Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Ebi (Shrimp) $7.50
Escolar $8.00
Hamachi (Yellowtail) $9.00
Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Hokkigai (Surf Clam) $7.00
Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Hotategai (Scallop) $8.00
Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Ika (Cuttlefish) $6.50
Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Ikura (Salmon Roe) $8.00
Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Inari $5.50
Sweet deep-fried tofu.
Kaibashira $6.00
Scallop with mayo and masago*. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Kani (Snow Crab) $7.50
Maguro (Yellow Fin) $10.00
Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Masago (Smelt Roe) $7.00
Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Saba (Mackerel) $8.00
Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Sake (Salmon) $9.00
Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Tako (Octopus) $8.00
Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Tamago (Egg Custard) $5.00
Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Tobiko (Flying Fish Roe) $7.00
Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Unagi (Eel) $9.00

Maki Sushi
Pablo Escobar $24.00
Shrimp tempura, spicy mayo, gobo, asparagus inside; escolar, avocado, fresh jalapeño, spicy sauce outside* 8 pieces. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
No. 9 $21.00
Shrimp tempura and spicy mayo inside; salmon, avocado, eel sauce, and sesame outside* 8 pieces. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Crunchy Tempura $20.00
Shrimp tempura, daikon sprouts, spicy mayo inside; rice, tempura flakes outside, topped with eel sauce 8 pieces.
Saji-Ya $16.00
Tuna, salmon, shrimp, yellowtail, gari (pickled ginger) inside; rolled inside out* 6 pieces. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Baja California $14.00
(Inside) avocado, spicy crab mix; (outside) inside out with tempura crunchies.
Dynamite $12.00
Mixed white fish, habanero sauce, leaf lettuce cucumber, daikon sprouts.* 5 pieces. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Spicy Salmon $13.00
Salmon, avocado, spicy mayo, leaf lettuce daikon sprouts* 5 pieces. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Veggie $10.00
Variety of fresh vegetables 5 pieces.
Salmon/Avocado $9.00
Salmon, avocado, sesame* 6 pieces. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Dragon $24.00
Shrimp tempura and spicy mayo inside; eel, avocado, eel sauce, and sesame outside 8 pieces.
Manny $24.00
Albacore, gobo, cucumber, avocado, spicy mayo, daikon sprouts inside; spicy tuna, tobiko, outside* 8 pieces. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Super Saji $18.00
Tuna, salmon, shrimp, yellowtail, gari (pickled ginger), spicy mayo inside; rolled inside out with tempura crunchies.* 8 pieces. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Negihama $9.00
Yellowtail and scallion. 6 pieces.
TigerEye $17.00
(inside) tempura-fried salmon, with cream cheese and jalapeño; (outside) masago and spicy mayo (traditionally rolled with seaweed on the outside). 5 pieces.
Kenton House Roll $21.00
(inside) shrimp tempura, cucumber(outside) hamachi maguro with unagi sauce, sesame, and togarashi* 8 pieces. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Jurassic Marc $26.00
(inside) shrimp tempura, spicy mayo, cucumber, cilantro; (outside) avocado, paper-thin lemon, garlic-miso mayo, eel sauce, and green onion *8 pieces. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Spicy Tuna $13.00
Tuna, avocado, spicy mayo, leaf lettuce, daikon sprouts* 5 pieces. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
California $12.00
Snow crab, avocado inside; rolled inside out with sesame. 6 pieces. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness."
Kappa $7.00
Cucumber roll 6 pieces.
Tekka $10.00
Tuna roll* 6 pieces. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Philly $13.00
Salmon, cream cheese, cucumber inside; rolled inside out with sesame* 6 pieces. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Avocado $6.00
Roll 6 pieces.
Caterpillar $18.00
Eel, cucumber inside; avocado, eel sauce, sesame outside* 8 pieces. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Hot On Top $18.00
Shrimp tempura inside; dynamite (mixed white fish with habanero) and eel sauce on top* 8 pieces. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Kumo Sumo $24.00
(Inside) panko-breaded soft shell crab, cucumber, avocado, gobo, kaiware, eel sauce, and spicy mayo; rolled inside out; finished with red and black tobiko and bonito flakes* 8 pieces. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Fancy VTP $17.00
(Inside) tempura-battered asparagus and sweet potato; (outside) sliced avocado, mayo, eel sauce on top 8 pieces.
Big Bite $20.00
(Inside) tuna, salmon, hamachi, cucumber, avocado; (outside) tempura-fried then topped with spicy mayo, eel sauce, and wasabi mayo *5 pieces. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Truffle Shuffle $23.00
(Inside) shiso leaf, spicy mayo, cucumber, avocado, and 2 pieces of shrimp tempura; (outside) spicy tuna mix, tempura flakes, jalapeño slices, aonori, eel sauce, and truffle oil* 8 pieces. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Ninety Nine $26.00
(Inside) two pieces of shrimp tempura with spicy mayo. (outside) unagi, sake, and avocado with eel sauce drizzled over top* 8 pieces. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.

Saji-Ya Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great cocktails
Great tea selection
Great wine list

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Happy hour drinks
Happy hour food
Hard liquor
Healthy options
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Counter service
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Romantic
Trendy
Upscale

Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Locals
Tourists
Transgender safespace

Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Parking
Free street parking
Paid parking lot
Parking

Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed outside

Saji-Ya Photos

Saji-Ya Location

Saji-Ya

Minnesota Ramsey County Saint Paul Summit Hill Grand Avenue

697 Grand Ave, St Paul, MN 55105, USA

Saji-Ya Reviews

Easily the best sushi experience I’ve had. Tou and Mark were great chefs. Seriously. They were friendly, funny, talkative and made me and my +1 feel like VIPs. Service and atmosphere are 10/10. Ellie was our server and was great. Definitely coming back.
May 14 · James Wilson
Sajiya has transformed into a cool spot with a cozy bar area, perfect for enjoying meals or drinks. The food is outstanding, particularly the maki sushi, tempura udon, and the gyudon - rice bowl topped with smoked BBQ ribeye steak. Each dish is flavorful and well-prepared. The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring a great dining experience. There’s outdoor patio which will be nice during warmer evening.
April 04 · Anita Schneider
Came to the new restaurant and I'm glad I did! Although there were some items from the old place I'll really miss, the new place was just as good and the inside was really nice too. My waitress was phenomenal, I wish I remembered her name because I'd ask for her every time. Our food was so good! I'm a huge fan of pork belly and there's didn't disappoint. Our sushi was fresh and the fried rice hit the spot. I'll be back for sure!!
November 19 · Luv Jones
The sushi was incredible! We sat at the sushi bar and had a lovely time chatting with the sushi masters. Every dish we tried was a 10/10. My favorite was the Dynamite. Highly recommend for a fresh & flavorful bite :)
May 14 · Janeth Sanchez
Excellent and authentic Japanese cuisines. We ordered Sukiyaki, a comfort food to cut the winter blahs, Vegetable Tempura and the 99 Maki Sushi! Definitely recommend!!!🍱
January 27 · Bibi Gefre